Former SNP councillor backs Labour in crucial Glenrothes by-election

Neil Henderson

A former Scottish Nationalist councillor is calling on voters to support the Labour candidate in next week’s crucial Glenrothes by-election.

Bill Brown, who resigned from the SNP in May to continue as an independent councillor, has formally endorsed the Scottish Labour Party candidate Alan Seath’s bid to win the Glenrothes West and Kinglassie ballot, ahead of SNP candidate Julie Ford.

“I have known Alan for many years, he is a family man with lots of experience in the Council and other areas of business and industry and I am sure that he would be a committed councillor who would strive to get the best for the people,” said Cllr Brown.

He added: “Alan is easy to talk to and a very good listener, I could work with him and other councillors for the good of the Ward and Fife in general, therefore I am extremely happy to endorse Alan.”

Cllr Brown has faced repeated calls from his former SNP colleagues to resign from his role as a councillor since he quit the party.

Mr Seath said he was very grateful for the support adding: “I have the greatest respect for Bill and he has seen this election for what it is, it is about electing the right people, those who can respond to local issues.”

It’s the second time in seven months that voters in ward 14 in Glenrothes West and Kinglassie have been asked to decide who should represent them.

And with control of the Glenrothes Area Committee, the main decision making body for the town, once more in the balance, the ballot is seen as a crucial one both for Labour and the SNP.

In March, just 32 per cent turned out following the death of long-standing Labour councillor Betty Campbell.

This latest contest follows former SNP councillor and Fife Council leader Peter Grant’s resignation following his success in May’s general election.

Voters will go to the polls on Thursday, October 1 with the result expected to be announced in the early hours of Friday morning.